"I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the related characters. The Harry Potter series is created by JK Rowling and owned by Warner Bros. This fanfiction is intended for entertainment only. I am not making any profit from this story. All rights of the original Harry Potter story belong to Warner Bros."
Surprises, comments, and tension finally took over.
All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.
So to answer some of your questions.
YES, Harry is still the chosen one in a way. But I also like the idea of the Potters being magically powerful that they become the chosen ones, either way, Voldemort is still out there looking for them.
Snape's redemption, I'm going, to be honest, guys I've always hated that Snape is Hallowed by the fans. The man was a bully, part of a terrorist group and I've never liked the whole he was a hero because he loved Lily. I feel he just did many things out of guilt and regret...But he is 21 here and still young enough to see the error of his actions. So yes I will give him redemption but he will be annoying for a while.
Molly excused herself to go feed Ginny and the rest of the girls went to see the rest of the kids. The rest went to the bathroom or ransack the kitchen. The Marauders and Frank whisper by the icebox.
"I guess we can read two more chapters before lunch"—A.P. said playing with his wand. The Adults nodded and Monty kept scrutinizing him. — "How many jumps have you done?"
A.P. smiled at him. — "The first successful jump was after my 23 birthday"—Everyone kept quiet to listen— "It only lasted a few minutes, I went to dads third year, I've learned a lot in the last 23 years of doing this. Especially because time works differently for me."
"How much time does it pass for you"—James asked sitting down. The girls were coming back from the kids and were also sitting down.
"A month here for a week of my original time. The longest jump cost me 8 months of my original time. That was a wild world."
"How so?"
"Oh, it wasn't my dad's world. It was a job for the entities. Magic had been extinct in this world for many centuries, and it was starting to make a comeback. People tried to get the advantage of that, and the war was starting… like I said chaos."
Remus frown— "what exactly is your job?"
"My job Is to help Order, the entities are/can be cruel, but they want things to take their own path. My job is to make sure a path exists. Whatever happens, after I leave is not my problem, is how the world needs to evolve."
"Can you see the future?"—
"No, past and future are different. It takes a toll on you if you go to the future, it requires more energy and magic. I've tried experimenting with it, but I almost died and ended up in St. Mungos for a month. Dad forbid me from trying again, huge fight in St Mungo's, and mom had to intervene."
"But these books are from the future."
"Yes, for you. These books were done on my father's past experiences. They were made with the memories and Blood of the Original. I can't just create future experiences in books."
Lily nodded— "So because he already lived them, they could be done. Interesting, how much of this is the curriculum of the unspeakable?"
Monty laughed— "It depends on Croaker. I know a few secrets more than everyone, but I earned those."
"Croaker is a paranoid shit, there are secrets in the secrets. There are many things the Unspeakables are learning but only if he deems you worthy, he will let you into the other subjects."
Lily agreed, shaking her head in thought. James sighed but smiled and kissed her temple— "Just remember to eat and stay hydrated."
"O hush you say it like I won't come home."
He shrug— "I don't know, he must have inherited your brain"—He pointed at A.P.—"Who knows what you might discover"
Lily chuckled and kissed him with a loud Mua!
Molly came back and they all sat down to keep reading.
— CHAPTER SIX —
The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
"Finally, he's going to Hogwarts"—
Harry's last month with the Dursleys wasn't fun. while Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon didn't shut Harry in his cupboard, force him to do anything, or shout at him – in fact, they didn't speak to him at all.
Lily huffed, the more she heard about her sister, the more she wanted to throttle her. By the end of these books, she would have to decide how she would manage her sister, she couldn't just ignore her existence.
He had decided to call her Hedwig
"That's a beautiful name"
On the last day of August, he thought he'd better speak to his aunt and uncle about getting to King's Cross station the next day, so he went down to the living room. (…) 'Would it be all right if you gave me a lift?'
Grunt. Harry supposed that meant yes.
Thank you.'
"Good Harry, don't lose the good manners"—Dorea nodded.
'Why are you going to London?' Harry asked, trying to keep things friendly.
'Taking Dudley to hospital,' growled Uncle Vernon. 'Got to have that ruddy tail removed before he goes to Smeltings.'
"Ha, I hope they aren't able to"
"That's dangerous for the statute of secrecy"
They reached King's Cross at half past ten. Uncle Vernon dumped Harry's trunk on to a trolley and wheeled it into the station for him.
'Have a good term,' said Uncle Vernon with an even nastier smile. He left without another word. Harry turned and saw the Dursleys drive away. All three of them were laughing. Harry's mouth went rather dry.
"Petunia! You witch…."—Lily said her hand turning into fists.
"Offensive"—Marlene said laughing— "Please don't compare us to her."
"She took me more than once; she knows how to get in."
He'd have to ask someone.
"Don't ask anyone"—Alice said shaking her head
'– packed with Muggles, of course –'
A.P. clapped startling all of them— "Here it is ladies and gentlemen the beginning of my father's life."—He said smiling. They all got excited and leaned forward.
Harry swung around. The speaker was a plump woman who was talking to four boys, all with flaming red hair.
Everyone turned to the Weasleys. Molly blushed. – "Is it us?"
'Now, what's the platform number?' said the boys' mother.
'Nine and three-quarters!' piped a small girl, also red-headed, who was holding her hand. 'Mum, can't
I go …'
'You're not old enough, Ginny, now be quiet. All right, Percy, you go first.'
"Oh, it is"—Molly said excitedly. –"My ginny sounds so cute"—they turned to look at the little girl in the bassinet.
Lily smiled happily, Harry would have some help.
'I'm not Fred, I'm George,' said the boy. 'Honestly, woman, call yourself our mother? Can't you tell
I'm George?'
'Sorry, George, dear.'
'Only joking, I am Fred,' said the boy.
"Oh no"—She sighed. —"I should have known"
The marauders laughed. — "I bet they are fun.
'Excuse me,' Harry said to the plump woman.
'Hullo, dear,' she said. 'First time at Hogwarts? Ron's new, too.'
'Yes,' said Harry. 'The thing is – the thing is, I don't know how to –'
'How to get on to the platform?' she said kindly, and Harry nodded.
if you're nervous. Go on, go now before Ron.'
"Thank you Molly"—Lily said kindly, going to hug the woman. Molly patted her on the back, -"Nothing to thank dear"
… he kept on running … he opened his eyes.
A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a platform packed with people. A sign overhead said Hogwarts He had done it.
This time James and Lily both had tears in their eyes. This was the moment they met their best friends; their lives had changed, and Harry was doing this journey alone. They hugged each other.
Dorea leaned into her husband— "We can't let that happen, Monty. No matter what, our children can't die"—She whispered, Monty squeezed her hand and nodded.
He passed a round-faced boy who was saying, 'Gran, I've lost my toad again.'
'Oh, Neville,' he heard the old woman sigh.
The Longbottoms sat up straight. —"Why?…is that our Neville?"
A.P. nodded sadly— "Yes."
"Where are we?"—Alice said with a small shake to her voice but with a determined face.
A.P. sighed— "You are in St Mungos. After Voldemort's fall, the last attack was on your family. Neville had been spending the day with Augusta when you were attacked. The Lestrange tortured you into insanity"—He finished quietly.
Her husband's arms were the only thing that stopped her from collapsing. Frank didn't know what to say. His face was masked with anger and disbelief. Marlene was crying and the rest had a look of Horror, but it was Augusta, stone-cold face but trembling who took all the attention when she black out.
Monty immediately stood up as Andromeda. Tea and water were passed, and a cold cloth was passed. Augusta was reanimated. – "What did you say?"—She asked A.P.
"I'm sorry Madam Longbottom. It was crude of me to say it so directly, but it is what happened. Now take Solace that it won't"—
Augusta looked at her son and daughter-in-law with determination— "You are right it won't."
They gave them a few moments to compose themselves. Alice had teary eyes, but she was determined not to break down. Neville had Augusta, as stern as she was, she was sure Neville had grown loved.
He tried to lift it up the steps but could hardly raise one end and twice he dropped it painfully on his foot.
'Want a hand?' It was one of the red-haired twins he'd followed through the ticket box.
'Yes, please,' Harry panted.
'Oy, Fred! C'mere and help!'
Molly smiled—"Good boys"
'What's that?' said one of the twins suddenly, pointing at Harry's lightning scar.
'Blimey,' said the other twin. 'Are you –?'
'He is,' said the first twin. 'Aren't you?' he added to Harry.
'What?' said Harry.
'Harry Potter,' chorused the twins.
'Oh, him,' said Harry. 'I mean, yes, I am.'
The marauders laughed despite the situation— "Poor pup."
Kingsley smiled but he couldn't shake the fact that this little boy needed to discuss this with an adult.
"He is nosy"—Lily said— "That only brings problems."
"You would know"—Alice and Marlene said.
Their mother had just taken out her handkerchief.
'Ron, you've got something on your nose.' The youngest boy tried to jerk out of the way, but she grabbed him and began rubbing the end of his nose.
"No Molly, never do that."—Remus said smiling. — "Its social suicide"
Molly rolled her eyes. She couldn't help it she was an affectionate mother.
The oldest boy came striding into sight. He had already changed into his billowing black Hogwarts robes and Harry noticed a shiny red and gold badge on his chest with the letter P on it.
'Can't stay long, Mother,' he said. 'I'm upfront, the Prefects have got two compartments to themselves.
James and Sirius laughed— "Oh he is one of those Prefects."
Arthur chuckled at his wife's offended look. — "I'm sure he will do a good job."
"He sounds stuck-up"—Marlene whispered for the boys to hear.
"Oh, the twins shouldn't give him such a hard time"—Molly chastised.
A.P. bit his lip. His uncle Percy was one of the most boring people he had ever met. How he got his Aunt Audrey he had absolutely no idea.
'Now, you two – this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you've – you've
blown up a toilet or –'
'Blown up a toilet? We've never blown up a toilet.'
'Great idea though, thanks, Mum.'
Minerva sighed, she looked at the Marauders who were smiling to themselves. Their girlfriends shared an exasperated look.
– "How old are the twins?"
"Three."—Molly said looking chastised.
"I see"—Said McGonagall and the Marauders laughed.
'Hey, Mum, guess what? Guess who we just met on the train?'
Harry leant back quickly so they couldn't see him looking.
'Who?'
'Harry Potter!'
Harry heard the little girl's voice.
'Oh, Mum, can I go on the train and see him, Mum, oh please …'
'You've already seen him, Ginny, and the poor boy isn't something you goggle at in a zoo.
James sighed exasperated. He passed a hand through his hair. Arthur apologized, but he shook his head— "Nothing to apologize for, they are kids."
'Never mind that, do you think he remembers what You-Know-Who looks like?'
'I forbid you to ask him, Fred. No, don't you dare. As though he needs reminding of that on his first day at school.'
"Thank you, Molly,"—Dorea said.
They leant out of the window for her to kiss them goodbye and their younger sister began to cry.
'Don't, Ginny, we'll send you loads of owls.'
'We'll send you a Hogwarts toilet seat.'
'George!'
'Only joking, Mum.'
"They sound fun"—Remus smiled.
"Can we play with them?"—Sirius asked innocently.
Minerva, Marlene, Lily, and Dorea—"No"
—Molly looked at the women and laughed.
The door of the compartment slid open, and the youngest redheaded boy came in. 'Everywhere else is full.'
Arthur laughed— "Oh Son. That's a lie"
'Harry,' said the other twin, 'did we introduce ourselves? Fred and George Weasley. And this is Ron, our brother. See you later, then.'
Arthur looked pensive as he turned to A.P.— "A long-term friendship?"—He asked direct to the point
"It had its ups and down but going strong today. Uncle Ron is my Godfather"—Albus smiled.
Arthur nodded. And the Potters smiled, Dorea leaned into her husband— "They are a good family to have as allies."
"Yes, but their debt enables them to be political"—He answered back. Thinking of a way to fix it. If anything, Merlin hope not, went wrong and they were gone they could have the Weasleys take Harry.
'Are you really Harry Potter?' Ron blurted out.
"Direct to the point"—
He pointed at Harry's forehead.
"No subtleness"—
'So that's where You-Know-Who –?'
'Yes,' said Harry, 'but I can't remember it.'
'Nothing?' said Ron eagerly.
'Well – I remember a lot of green light, but nothing else.'
'Wow,' said Ron. He sat and stared at Harry for a few moments.
"It's going to be worse at Hogwarts."
"It's a horrible story, why do children know it so much"—Alice spoke clearing her throat.
A.P.—"Because it was sold both ways. The real one with secrets in between the lines and a Child story of a young boy who destroyed a dark wizard and saved the world. It's a bedtime story."
They all shook their heads.
'Are all your family wizards?' asked Harry, who found Ron just as interesting as Ron found him. 'I think Mum's got a second cousin who's an accountant, but we never talk about him.'
Molly saw Lily was going to ask so she answered. — "He's my uncles Ignatius's only son from his first marriage, he was born a squib. Uncle disowned him and my father, later my brothers tried to keep in touch, but he got bitter and disappeared."—Molly said sadly.
"I'm sorry"—Lily smiled kindly.
The Weasleys were clearly one of those old wizarding families the pale boy in Diagon Alley had talked about.
'I heard you went to live with Muggles,' said Ron. 'What are they like?'
'Horrible – well, not all of them. My aunt and uncle and cousin are,
"As true as that is, he shouldn't say it like that"—Kingsley said.
(…) 'Five,' said Ron. For some reason, he was looking gloomy. 'I'm the sixth in our family to go to Hogwarts.
You could say I've got a lot to live up to. Bill and Charlie have already left – Bill was Head Boy and Charlie was captain of Quidditch. Now Percy's a Prefect.
Arthur smiled proudly earning a chuckle from Monty— "Two good badges and now a Prefect. Good Boys"
Fred and George mess around a lot, but they still get really good marks and everyone thinks they're really funny. Everyone expects me to do as well as the others, but if I do, it's no big deal, because they did it first. You never get anything new, either, with five brothers. I've got Bill's old robes, Charlie's old wand and Percy's old rat.'
"Why does he have Charlie's wand?"—Molly said confused— "Why didn't we buy him a new one?"
"I'll explain during lunch"—A.P. said.
Ron reached inside his jacket and pulled out a fat grey rat, which was asleep.
'His name's Scabbers and he's useless, he hardly ever wakes up. Percy got an owl from my dad for being made a Prefect, but they couldn't aff– I mean, I got Scabbers instead.'
Arthur scrunched his face; he didn't like how that sounded.
The Marauders shared a look at the mention of Scabbers. James closed his eyes, was the rat important or was he part of the story? But everything in the story was relevant. He felt a ping of hurt in his chest.
Sirius narrowed his eyes at the mention of the rat. He wanted to find Peter and strangle him. The connection between the rat in the book and his old friend went unnoticed.
Remus tilted his head to the left. Could it be a coincidence?
Harry didn't think there was anything wrong with not being able to afford an owl. After all, he'd never had any money in his life until a month ago, and he told Ron
Voldemort –'
Ron gasped.
'What?' said Harry.
'You said You-Know-Who's name!' said Ron, sounding both shocked and impressed. 'I'd have
"Don't fear the name"—Dumbledore said.
'You won't be. There's loads of people who come from Muggle families and they learn quick enough.'
"Yes, look at his mother"—Marlene said pointing at her friend who smiled.
now that he had pockets rattling with gold and silver he was ready to buy as many Mars Bars as he could carry – but the woman didn't have Mars Bars. he got some of everything and paid the woman eleven silver Sickles and seven bronze Knuts.
Lily laughed— "That sugar rush will hurt later."
"Muggle candy is actually really good."—Remus said looking at the kitchen.
Ron had taken out a lumpy package and unwrapped it. There were four sandwiches in there. He pulled one of them apart and said, 'She always forgets I don't like corned beef.'
"Oh, oh I don't like how he sounds"—Molly said biting her lip.
'Swap you for one of these,' said Harry, holding up a pasty. 'Go on –'
'Go on, have a pasty,' said Harry, who had never had anything to share before or, indeed, anyone to share it with. It was a nice feeling, sitting there with Ron, eating their way through all Harry's pasties
"Oh, my sweet boy"—Dorea smiled tenderly. — "He has better manners than you ever did at that age Jamie."
"That's Good"—her son said.
Snape scoffed.
'They're not really frogs, are they?' He was starting to feel that nothing would surprise him. I've got about five hundred, but I haven't got Agrippa or Ptolemy.' Harry unwrapped his Chocolate Frog and picked up the card.
"I see they have added a few more names to the collection"—Remus said frowning as he turned to Sirius— "I need to buy more chocolate."
"Yes, Remus because that's what matters right now"—
'So, this is Dumbledore!' said Harry.
"My biggest accomplishment"—the headmaster said smiling.
Albus Dumbledore, currently Headmaster of Hogwarts. Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times, Professor Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and tenpin bowling.
"So, we are getting involved with the philosopher stone."—Monty asked. A.P. nodded— "Why is it in the school?"—Monty asked Dumbledore who frowned.
-"I suppose I want to have it close."
Soon he had not only Dumbledore and Morgana, but Hengist of Woodcroft, Alberic Grunnion, Circe, Paracelsus and Merlin. He finally tore his eyes away from the druidess Cliodna. Ron warned Harry. 'When they say every flavour, they mean every flavour – you know, you get all the ordinary ones like chocolate and peppermint and marmalade, but then you can get spinach and liver and tripe. George reckons he had a bogey-flavoured one once.'
That got a chuckle from all the adults.
"Oh, poor Ron. I don't think he's realized what the Twins are doing."
There was a knock on the door of their compartment and the round-faced boy Harry had passed on platform nine and three-quarters came in. He looked tearful.
The Longbottom perked up— "Is that Neville?"—
A.P. nodded.
'Sorry,' he said, 'but have you seen a toad at all?'
When they shook their heads, he wailed, 'I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me!'
'He'll turn up,' said Harry.
"OH, poor thing, he hasn't found it?"
"Didn't the train run over a girl's Cat once?"—Sirius asked.
Minerva pinched her lips. —"That was just a rumor. There's a spell for the animals to get in the train after the first whistle."
Those who didn't know nodded— "Then his toad is in the train."
— "Good I was always afraid of some poor pet being left behind.
'Don't know why he's so bothered,' said Ron. 'If I'd brought a toad I'd lose it as quick as I could.
Mind you, I brought Scabbers, so I can't talk.'
The rat was still snoozing on Ron's lap.
The marauders frowned. While Arthur apologized to Frank who brush it off. – "It's ok, I wouldn't have gotten him a toad either."
"What's wrong with toads?"—Augusta asked.
"Nothing"
He rummaged around in his trunk and pulled out a very battered-looking wand. It was chipped in places and something white was glinting at the end.
'Unicorn hair's nearly poking out. Anyway –'
Molly gasp— "Heavens that's dangerous why doesn't he have a new wand?"—she said looking at A.P.
"Lunch"—he said again almost cowering at his grandmother's glare.
he had a girl with him. She had a bossy sort of voice, lots of bushy brown hair and rather large front teeth. 'Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it, then.' 'Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow.'
Arthur face palmed himself. While the marauders, Frank, and even Snape had to fight their laughter. Andromeda and Dorea chuckled, they had older siblings, and they understood how easy it was to believe them.
Marlene was unimpressed— "You would think he wasn't raised surrounded by magic."
Alice smiled kindly— "I'm sure the little girl is not impressed."
'Are you sure that's a real spell?' said the girl. 'Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice and it's all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard – I've learnt all our set books off by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough – I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?'
A.P. smiled at his Aunt Mione, every time she relived her younger personality she cringed, and it amused him to see the reaction of those who didn't know her.
Sirius rolled his eyes. — "So, she's Moony in girl version but with Lily's first-year personality. I don't know her, and I'm already annoyed."
"Rude!"—Lily said— "I wasn't that bad."
"She sounds…."—James started but thought his words at his wife's glare—"Sorry love but she sounds exasperating, I don't think it will go down well"
'I'm Ron Weasley,' Ron muttered.
'Harry Potter,' said Harry.
'Are you really?' said Hermione. 'I know all about you, of course – I got a few extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century.
"Couldn't care less who Ron was, that was rude"—Molly said offended.
"How many of those books tell the truth?"
"What exactly is it that they say? Are they fictional?"
"This is why he should have been properly explained who he was."
'Am I?' said Harry, feeling dazed.
'Goodness, didn't you know, I'd have found out everything I could if it was me,' said Hermione. 'Do either of you know what house you'll be in? I've been asking around and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best, I hear Dumbledore himself was one, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad …
And she left, taking the toadless boy with her.
Dorea scoffed— "We have famous Wizards to"—
"She needs to learn how to breath"?
'Stupid spell – George gave it to me, bet he knew it was a dud.'
'What house are your brothers in?' asked Harry.
'Gryffindor,' said Ron. Gloom seemed to be settling on him again. 'Mum and Dad were in it, too. I don't know what they'll say if I'm not. I don't suppose Ravenclaw would be too bad but imagine if they put me in Slytherin.'
"We would still love him"—Arthur said but everyone understood where Ron was coming from. A Weasley in Slytherin would go down as smoothly as a Potter joining the house of Snakes.
'So what do your oldest brothers do now they've left, anyway?' Harry was wondering what a wizard did once he'd finished school. 'Charlie's in Romania studying dragons and Bill's in Africa doing something for Gringotts,' said Ron.
"Such dangerous jobs"
"They are really good jobs"—Ted said looking at Molly— "Not many wizards get apprenticeships with the goblins."
"I guess the Dragons aren't a faze"—Arthur sighed. Looking back at the door where his son was.
'Did you hear about Gringotts? It's been all over the Daily Prophet, but I don't suppose you get that with the Muggles – someone tried to rob a high-security vault.'
"Someone dared"—Andromeda said shocked.
"It's suicide"
"It's alarming"—Dumbledore frowned— "Now I know why it's in the school."
They haven't been caught.
"Is it really that easy?"—Ted asked looking around.
"No"—Monty shook his head— "The goblins use normal warding and a few of their own that are lethal. Also, many vaults in Gringotts have magical creatures protecting them."
"So, whoever did it was very powerful."
"Probably"
Harry turned this news over in his mind. He was starting to get a prickle of fear every time You-Know- Who was mentioned. He supposed this was all part of entering the magical world, but it had been a lot more comfortable saying 'Voldemort' without worrying.
"Very wise Harry"—Dumbledore smiled.
Three boys entered and Harry recognised the middle one at once: it was the pale boy from Madam Malkin's robe shop (…) 'Yes,' said Harry. He was looking at the other boys. Both of them were thickset and looked extremely mean. Standing either side of the pale boy they looked like bodyguards. 'Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle,' said the pale boy carelessly, noticing where Harry was looking. 'And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.'
Andromeda sighed— "I thought she would raise her children better."
"Better? She married a Malfoy because she wanted. Not because she was forced, she chose him…"
"I know Sirius, I remember. But Cissy wasn't so into the blood supremacy she…"
"Was more classists than prejudice bigot?"
"Yes."
Snape frowned. He knew Narcissa Malfoy, and all the times he had met or talked to her she has been very adamant to the cause. Could it be she was being forced? Or her husband believed had already passed to her.
Ron gave a slight cough, which might have been hiding a snigger. Draco Malfoy looked at him. 'Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford.'
The moms in the group gasped. Arthur turned red but nobody knew if it was out of anger or embarrassment.
He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.
'I think I can tell who the wrong sort is for myself, thanks,' he said coolly.
"Yeah! Shove it Malfoy"—Sirius said.
James beamed proudly at his son. —"Unfortunately it won't end there. It looks very similar to a story I know"—He said looking at Snape who glared back and Lily rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, at least there's no girl in between"—Marlene mocked.
Lily glared at her. The last thing she needed was for Snape and James to start fighting. She knew James was never Jealous of Snape regarding her romantically, and she knew she didn't love Snape in that way, but James valued friendship something Snape didn't, and James wasn't in his right mind regarding Peter, she knew that fight wouldn't go well.
'I'd be careful if I were you, Potter,' he said slowly. 'Unless you're a bit politer you'll go the same way as your parents. They didn't know what was good for them, either. You hang around with riff-raff like the Weasleys and that Hagrid and it'll rub off on you.'
Andromeda gasped— "He is eleven. Eleven! What in the heavens has Narcissa been teaching this boy"?
"Nothing"—A.P. said sadly. —"Draco Malfoy was fully in Lucius' grasp and by the time Narcissa got him out, it was too late"—
Andromeda felt a pain in her chest. Could she help her sister, is that what she was doing here?
"Oh, don't fight on the train"—Dorea said
'Oh, you're going to fight us, are you?' Malfoy sneered.
'Unless you get out now,' said Harry, more bravely than he felt, because Crabbe and Goyle were a lot bigger than him or Ron.
"That's ok Harry just don't show fear. Take it"—Sirius said—"It never stopped Jamie"
"Hey! I grew"—
Goyle let out a horrible yell.
Scabbers the rat was hanging off his finger, sharp little teeth sunk deep into Goyle's knuckle – Crabbe and Malfoy backed away as Goyle swung Scabbers round and round, howling, and when Scabbers finally flew off and hit the window,
James kept frowning at the mention of the rat. Monty realized and asked what was wrong, but James shook his head.
Remus turned to the Weasleys— "Do you have that, Rat?"
"No, none of our children have pets unless you count the chickens"—Molly said.
'I've heard of his family,' said Ron darkly. 'They were some of the first to come back to our side after You-Know-Who disappeared. Said they'd been bewitched. My dad doesn't believe it. He says Malfoy's father didn't need an excuse to go over to the Dark Side.'
"I sustain it"—Arthur said— "Abraxas walked like he owned the place."
"Abraxas was a slimy cockroach" _-Monty said with disgust. — "But I'm curious it seems Malfoys has too much power at that time"
"I presume"— "Sirius said—"My house is one of the most powerful of the Dark side but in that time we are all dead. The most powerful houses of the light are gone or weak, he survived and I'm sure the rest of the Dark houses see him as the leader."
'All right – I only came in here because people outside are behaving very childishly, racing up and down the corridors,' said Hermione in a sniffy voice. 'And you've got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?' Ron glared at her as she left.
Sirius snorted and in a high pitched voice said— "Black, Potter what are you doing? You lost us 50 points with your stupid childish games…fix it get them back"—he mocked Lily who was glaring at him. McGonagall tried to hide her smile; she remembered all too well all those fights.
James laughed. — "Oooh who will she marry?"
"No one, maybe she will end up killing them in a moment of anger"—Lily huffed annoyed.
There was a loud 'Oooooh!'. The narrow path had opened suddenly on to the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.
All the ex-students smiled, remembering seeing Hogwarts for the first time. –"I remember it, it felt so magical"
"Well dah it's a magic castle"—James told his wife.
"The cub is home"—Remus said smiling.
A.P. smiled sadly, he knew his father had great moments in Hogwarts, but all those memories were tainted with a war.
Ted Tonks— "Has anyone fallen into the lake?"
"Every few years there's someone, I count it as good luck"—Dumbledore smiled.
A.P. – "My brother Teddy. He wanted to see the giant squid and went for a Swim"—He said smiling.
'Oy, you there! Is this your toad?' said Hagrid, who was checking the boats as people climbed out of them. 'Trevor!' cried Neville blissfully, holding out his hands.
Alice laughed— "How did it get there?"—
Hagrid raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door.
— CHAPTER SEVEN — The Sorting Hat
The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and Harry's first thought was that this was not someone to cross.
'The firs'-years, Professor McGonagall,' said Hagrid.
"Minnie!"—The marauders said— "Good to see you still here."
Minerva rolled her eyes— "Where else would I be, this school would fall apart without me."
—Dumbledore laughed but nodded with her.
The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.
"I know how Harry is feeling"—Lily said smiling— "It's so beautiful I remember the moment I walked into the great hall I kept thinking it's real, it's real"—
'Welcome to Hogwarts,' said Professor McGonagall. 'The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend freetime in your house common room.
Minerva nodded at her own words and try not to make a face at how bizarre this was.
'The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points.
The marauders snickered remembering their pranks.
"For Heavens, you're grown men now"—Marlene said amused.
"Are we?"—Sirius said kissing her hand.
'The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting.' Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron'ssmudged nose. Harry nervously tried to flatten his hair.
Minerva sighed— "I don't think that's why I was looking at them."
"What do you mean?"—Kingsley asked.
"I'm sure that I looked at Mr. Weasley because of his brothers, Mr. Longbottom looks like Alice by the description. And well Mr. Potter I can imagine what I felt"—She smiled sadly, and all nodded with her.
— "You were controlling your emotions"—Dorea said.
'How exactly do they sort us into houses?' he asked Ron.
'Some sort of test, I think. Fred said it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking.'
Arthur shook his head exasperated, the moment the twins started talking he knew he was in trouble. Look too much like their uncles to be good.
He looked around anxiously and saw that everyone else looked terrified too. No one was talking much except Hermione Granger, who was whispering very fast about all the spells she'd learnt and wondering which one she'd need.
"What type of memory does she has? No one can possibly remember all that."
"That girl is a Ravenclaw for sure."
He'd never been more nervous, never, not even when he'd had to take a school report home to the Dursleys saying that he'd somehow turned his teacher's wig blue.
"Nice, I mean horrible for the punishment he must've got, but his magic is strong."
Several people behind him screamed.
'What the –?'
He gasped. So did the people around him. About twenty ghosts had just streamed through the back wall.
"The ghost scaring the firsties is tradition"—Hagrid belly laugh.
"It's mean"—Lily said amused— "Muggles believe ghosts are evil. I almost wet myself."
'Move along now,' said a sharp voice. 'The Sorting Ceremony's about to start.' Harry had never even imagined such a strange and splendid place. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles which were floating in mid-air He heard Hermione whisper, 'It's bewitched to look like the sky outside, I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.'
Lily laughed and gave a mocking look at Remus who rolled his eyes. What if he read Hogwarts of history every single year, it became helpful for creating the map.
Maybe they had to try and get a rabbit out of it, Harry thought wildly, that seemed the sort of thing.
"That's a muggle magic trick, right?"—James turned to his wife who nodded.
'When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted,' she said. 'Abbott, Hannah!' 'HUFFLEPUFF!' shouted the hat.
'Bones, Susan!' 'HUFFLEPUFF!' shouted the hat again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah.
"The Bones are known puffs. Hannah is she the daughter of Michael Abbott?"—Monty asked.
"No"—A.P. said— "She's Michaels,'s niece, they don't live here. They move back to England when her father dies.
'Boot, Terry!'
'RAVENCLAW!'
'Brocklehurst, Mandy' went to Ravenclaw too, but 'Brown, Lavender' became the first new Gryffindor 'Bulstrode, Millicent' then became a Slytherin.
"Boot and Brown are half-bloods"—Augusta said.
"Brocklehurst must be muggle born because I haven't heard that name."
"Bulstrode yuck"—Sirius said.
Dorea threw a biscuit at him— "Sirius, my mother was a Bulstrode. You know your great-grandmother"—
Sirius looked sheepish— "Yeah, yeah I know."
Snape's eyes twitch. He never paid attention to the Black Family, so that meant that Potter was also… he shook his head, he couldn't wait for Mrs. Potter to find out how his son treated his fellow family.
Perhaps it was Harry's imagination, after all he'd heard about Slytherin, but he thought they looked an unpleasant lot.
Dorea sighed— "He didn't receive the best impression from the house, but he isn't wrong. If things are as I imagine and Lucious is the head of the Pureblood families, then it isn't a good lot."-
'Finch-Fletchley, Justin!'
'HUFFLEPUFF!'
"Muggle-born"—Augusta said.
Snape couldn't hold his tongue— "Why is it relevant?"
"Because Mr. Snape"—Augusta said in a drool tone— "They are naming these kids for a reason. I suppose they are important for us to know in what house they are, Bones have always been aligned to the Potters and the Longbottoms, but I don't see Amelia having a conversation with eleven your old Harry about Lordship alliances"—
"Ha, that's something else. In the Original time, the Lordships don't exist"—A.P. said
"Beg your pardon"—Monty said.
"Yeah, after the war. They were eradicated and everyone passed to be Mr. and Mrs. Only the Scamanders and Flamel kept their knighthood."
"So, us knowing these kids is more important"—Augusta said exasperated— "Without the Lordships, there is no control, no restriction, and these kids are vulnerable. Pureblood houses put muggle-born under their protection for a reason."
Snape narrowed his eyes. – "but only a few and I don't remember any in Slytherin"
Lily scoffed and reminded Snape— "because they don't care, the third year I was under the McKinnon's protection that's why I was never able to fully curse James."—James smiled widely like that was a compliment.
Snape ignored her, but he remembered, he had been furious but that had kept her safe in a way.
"Slytherins are pureblood supremacists Snape. They don't care about that"—Sirius said.
'Finnigan, Seamus', a whole minute before the hat declared him a Gryffindor.
'Granger, Hermione!'
'GRYFFINDOR!' shouted the hat. Ron groaned.
"Wow, I thought she was for Ravenclaw"—Remus said thoughtfully.
When Neville Longbottom, the boy who kept losing his toad, was called, he fell over on his way to the stool. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville. When it finally shouted 'GRYFFINDOR', Neville ran off still wearing it, and had to jog back amid gales of laughter to give it to
Augusta shook her head and Alice laughed clapping— "He sounds so sweet."
Malfoy swaggered forward when his name was called and got his wish at once: the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, 'SLYTHERIN!'
"Didn't expect anything less."
"Why is he friends with Crabbe and Goyle? Wouldn't Nott and Rosier be better friends"? —James asked
They looked at A.P.— "Notts is there and Rosier they are all dead."
Snape tried not to flinch at that revelation. One of his best friends was Samuel Rosier. He looked at A.P. and this one shrugged.
'Moon' … 'Nott' … 'Parkinson' … then a pair of twin girls, 'Patil' and 'Patil' … then 'Perks, Sally-
"Where did they go?"—Lily asked.
"Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff"
'Potter, Harry!'
As Harry stepped forward, whispers suddenly broke out like little hissing fires all over the hall.
'Potter, did she say?'
'The Harry Potter?'
"Bets anyone…"—Sirius smiled— "Pups a lion for sure."
"I don't see him going anywhere else."
"Perhaps Slytherin"—Dorea said bored.
Monty—"You take that back"
"He can go anywhere"—Lily smiled.
'Hmm,' said a small voice in his ear. 'Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh my goodness, yes – and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting … So where shall I put you?' Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, 'Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.' 'Not Slytherin, eh?' said the small voice. 'Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that – no?
"Ha, you should have bet"—James said looking at his mother, who looked proud.
"Yes, I should have, and though it saddens me he won't wear green. I'm happy he isn't there"—She said pinching James's cheek a little too hard.
Snape looked at the Marauders in distaste. Sirius noticed— "Something in your mind Snape."
Snape glared—"You treated the Slytherins like shit and now here you sit like you wouldn't have hated the boy if he ended there"
Lily groaned and grabbed unto James's wrist. Marlene had to grab Sirius. Lily spoke— "The boy's name is Harry, Severus, you can say it, it won't burn your tongue."
Dorea narrowed her eyes. She vaguely remembered the boy, Minerva always kept her informed and though she knew James and him had a troublesome past, she felt she was missing something.
Well, if you're sure – better be GRYFFINDOR!'
He was so relieved to have been chosen and not put in Slytherin, he hardly noticed that he was getting the loudest cheer yet. Percy the Prefect got up and shook his hand vigorously, while the Weasley twins yelled, 'We got Potter! We got Potter!'
"Told you"—Sirius said.
"Oh boys"—Molly said laughing at her son's antics.
He could see the High Table properly now. And there, in the center of the High Table, in a large gold chair, sat Albus Dumbledore. Harry spotted Professor Quirrell, too, the nervous young man from the Leaky Cauldron. He was looking very peculiar in a large purple turban.
Alastor leaned forward— "Did he have that turban when he was introduced?"
"No"
Alastor nodded— "Is it cultural?"
"No"—Minerva said.
Alastor— "Then why wear it?"
'Turpin, Lisa' became a Ravenclaw and then it was Ron's turn. He was pale green by now. Harry crossed his fingers under the table and a second later the hat had shouted, 'GRYFFINDOR!'
"Good job son"—
'Zabini, Blaise' was made a Slytherin.
'Welcome!' he said. 'Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!
'Thank you!'
"Eloquent as ever"—Ted amused.
"It's the name of the elves. Blubber oversees the kitchen"— Remus said.
"How…"—Minerva paused to shake her head— "Forget it I'm not surprised"
'Is he – a bit mad?' he asked Percy uncertainly. 'Mad?' said Percy airily. 'He's a genius! Best wizard in the world! But he is a bit mad, yes. Potatoes, Harry?' Harry's mouth fell open. The dishes in front of him were now piled with food. He had never seen so many things he liked to eat on one table:
Dumbledore chuckled; he knew what image he gave away. People underestimate the men who wear purple robes.
"Probably the first good meal of his life"—Molly said sadly.
'I know who you are!' said Ron suddenly. 'My brothers told me about you – you're Nearly Headless Nick!'
"Oh, now he's going to show it to them, and they are eating"—Marlene said disgustedly.
'Like this,' he said irritably. He seized his left ear and pulled. His whole head swung off his neck and fell onto his shoulder as if it was on a hinge.
Marlene pointed at the book— "Hate it."
'So – new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the House Championship this year. Gryffindor has never gone so long without winning. Slytherin has got the cup six years in a row!
Snape smiled smugly and Minerva pressed her lips.
"Oh, that's not good"—Lily said, she took great pride that she always earned enough points to win the cup.
"It's just a cup"—Alice said rolling her eyes.
"The bloody baron is bloody because he murdered someone"—Dorea said.
"You asked him?"-Sirius said surprised—
"Yes, in 7th year when I was head girl. He was very sad about it."
'I'm half and half,' said Seamus. 'My dad's a Muggle. Mam didn't tell him she was a witch 'til after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him.'
"Oh, no. I hope he's ok"—Lily said quietly looking slightly at Snape who was frowning.
Arthur frowned— "Some of the incidents I've encountered at work are from wizards and witches who don't teach their partner how certain artifacts work because they are hiding their magic."—He said exasperated.
'What about you, Neville?' said Ron.
The Longbottom's leaned forward.
'Well, my gran brought me up and she's a witch,' said Neville, 'but the family thought I was all Muggle for ages. My great-uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off my guard and force some magic out of me – he pushed me off the end of Blackpool pier once, I nearly drowned.
Augusta closed her eyes, Alice gasped, and Frank— "What the fuck…Algie your shit"
– but nothing happened until I was eight. Great-uncle Algie came round for tea and he was hanging me out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my great-auntie Enid offered him a meringue and he accidentally let go. But I bounced – all the way down the garden and into the road.
Frank's eyes widened. –"Mother!"
Everyone in the room was silent. Dorea had covered her mouth to stop herself from talking.
They were all really pleased. Gran was crying, she was so happy. And you should have seen their faces when I got in here – they thought I might not be magic enough to come, you see. Great-uncle Algie was so pleased he bought me my toad.'
Alice looked at her mother-in-law— "What if he had been a squib Augusta you would have vanished him from the family… my son."
"Of course, not"—Augusta defended herself.
"Then why the fuck were you happy. You should have reprimanded Algie, not crying of happiness he did magic to not die."
Augusta was about to speak but Frank stood up and pulled Alice to the other extreme of the couch, him sitting in the middle. – "Enough! we will keep reading. I need to hear more."
Remus took pity on Alice who looked like smoke was coming from her ears. He levitated a piece of chocolate to her, and she smiled at him.
Harry, who was starting to feel warm and sleepy, looked up at the High Table again. Hagrid was drinking deeply from his goblet. Professor McGonagall was talking to Professor Dumbledore. Professor Quirrell, in his absurd turban, was talking to a teacher with greasy black hair, a hooked nose and sallow skin. It happened very suddenly. The hook-nosed teacher looked past Quirrell's turban straight into Harry's eyes – and a sharp, hot pain shot across the scar on Harry's forehead.
'Ouch!' Harry clapped a hand to his head.
Snape frowned. He knew how people described him, that was him.
"Was that his scar?"—Andromeda frown. — "Now that I think about it, did he go to see a healer for his potions or his scar?"
The Potter shared a look.
'N-nothing.' The pain had gone as quickly as it had come. 'Oh, you know Quirrell already, do you? No wonder he's looking so nervous, that's Professor Snape. He teaches Potions, but he doesn't want to – everyone knows he's after Quirrell's job. Knows an awful lot about the Dark Arts, Snape.' Harry watched Snape for a while, but Snape didn't look at him again.
James narrowed his eyes at Snape but shook his head. He knew that fight between him and Snape was inevitable, but he hoped it was for some snide comment and not his treatment toward his son.
'Ahem – just a few more words now we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. 'First-years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well.' Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins.
The marauders smiled—"These twin sound fun"
"They sound like problems"—Molly shook her head and looked at Minerva— "I'm sorry for the future"
'And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death.' Harry laughed, but he was one of the few who did.
'He's not serious?' he muttered to Percy.
'Must be,' said Percy, frowning at Dumbledore. 'It's odd, because he usually gives us a reason why we're not allowed to go somewhere – the forest's full of dangerous beasts, everyone knows that. I do think he might have told us Prefects, at least.'
"Umm, I… no. you did it on purpose"—James said to Dumbledore—"You and us"—he said pointing at his wife and brothers—"know that many students are going to go investigate."
"It's the stone…"—Alastor said with a questioning look— "You brought it to the school, but it's safer in your office"
"It's safer in secret, not when you say it in front of the whole school."
'And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!' cried Dumbledore. Harry noticed that the other teachers' smiles had become rather fixed.
Dumbledore looked at Minerva in question— "Heavens Albus you must know that song is awful."
At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand, and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped the loudest.
Arthur chuckled. His twins sound so much like his brothers-in-law.
Perhaps Harry had eaten a bit too much because he had a very strange dream. He was wearing Professor Quirrell's turban, which kept talking to him, telling him he must transfer to Slytherin at once, because it was his destiny. Harry told the turban he didn't want to be in Slytherin; it got heavier and heavier; he tried to pull it off but it tightened painfully – and there was Malfoy, laughing at him as he struggled with it – then Malfoy turned into the hook-nosed teacher, Snape, whose laugh became high and cold – there was a burst of green light and Harry woke, sweating and shaking.
"Foreshadowing?"—Frank frowned.
"I don't think so."
"Yes, but it talked about the turban. I don't like the Turban, it sounds strange."
"The burst of green light is the killing curse which means he remembers at least that"—Monty said sadly.
Lily choked a sob.
"And what does Snape here have to do?"—Andromeda said.
"He works for Voldemort"—Kingsley stated.
"Yes…but"
—Marlene put her hand up when she felt Sirius tense— "It's a dream let's move one."
— CHAPTER EIGHT — The Potions Master
Lily closed her eyes. This is it; James won't let it go and Monty won't accept any type of disrespect. She sighed, let's hope nobody ends up hurt.
The marauders tense and Snape prepared his wand.
'There, look.'
'Where?'
'Next to the tall kid with the red hair.'
'Wearing the glasses?'
'Did you see his face?'
'Did you see his scar?'
Whispers followed Harry from the moment he left his dormitory next day.
James groaned, at least nobody is attacking him or touching him.
There were a hundred and forty-two staircases at Hogwarts: wide, sweeping ones; narrow, rickety ones; some that led somewhere different on a Friday; some with a vanishing step halfway up that you had to remember to jump. Then there were doors that wouldn't open unless you asked politely, or tickled them in exactly the right place, and doors that weren't really doors at all, but solid walls just pretending. It was also very hard to remember where anything was, because it all seemed to move around a lot. The people in the portraits kept going to visit each other and Harry was sure the coats of armour could walk.
"He needs the map"—Sirius said— "Where do you think it is?"
"What map"
"Mind your business Alastor"—Sirius said and then ducked when his boss threw him a hex.
"The armors walk, they like to change positions"—Lily said remembering following one around in her second year.
"As wonderful as Hogwarts is, having to tell the damn door to please open is annoying. Especially when you must pee, and the castle tries to be funny"—Marlene said, Sirius gave her an amused look.
but Peeves the poltergeist was worth two locked doors and a trick staircase if you met him when you were late for class. He would drop waste-paper baskets on your head, pull rugs from under your feet, grab your nose and screech, 'GOT YOUR CONK!'
Marlene laughed— "I taught him that in exchange for not ratting me out one night"—
"What were you doing out at night?"—Sirius frowned.
Marlene smiled— "You"—Sirius cleared his throat after Remus started laughing.
Argus Filch. Harry and Ron managed to get on the wrong side of him on their very first morning. Filch found them trying to force their way through a door which unluckily turned out to be the entrance to the out-of-bounds corridor on the third floor.
"Damn, he'll never let them out of his sight now."
Filch owned a cat called Mrs Norris, a scrawny, dust-coloured creature with bulging, lamp-like eyes just like Filch's. She patrolled the corridors alone. Break a rule in front of her, put just one toe out of line, and she'd whisk off for Filch, who'd appear, wheezing, two seconds later.
"How long do Kneazels live?"—Alice asked thinking of the cat she so much detested.
"About 70 years"—Remus said.
"Many more years of torment then."
Filch knew the secret passageways of the school better than anyone (except perhaps the Weasley twins) and could pop up as suddenly as any of the ghosts.
"We are playing with the twins whether you like it or not."
There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few funny words. They had to study the night skies through their telescopes every Wednesday at midnight and learn the names of different stars and the movements of the planets the greenhouses behind the castle to study Herbology, Easily the most boring lesson was History of Magic, which was the only class taught by a ghost.
"I don't know how I feel that Hogwarts still sounds the same"—Lily frowned. —"Binns needs to go, he teaches nothing"—
"We know Lil's we remember your letter"—Marlene said laughing.
"I will send another one. The governors are useless"—
Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, was a tiny little wizard who had to stand on a pile of books to see over his desk. At the start of their first lesson, he took the register, and when he reached Harry's name he gave an excited squeak and toppled out of sight.
Lily shook her head. She taught at least the professors would control themselves.
Professor McGonagall was again different. Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts,' she said. 'Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned.' Then she changed her desk into a pig and back again.
The marauders applauded— "Wonderful Minnie spectacular"-
"Hush, they need to understand how important transfiguration is"
"You never kicked us out."
"You were trouble, but you were talented."
By the end of the lesson, only Hermione Granger had made any difference to her match;
James deflated, Lily, rolled her eyes— "It's the first class, I'm sure he will get better."
"Why do you think the hat didn't put her in Ravenclaw?"
A.P.— "Her bravery. The hat said her Bravery was greater than her intelligence."
All made a face of surprise.
The class everyone had really been looking forward to was Defence Against the Dark Arts, but Quirrell's lessons turned out to be a bit of a joke. His classroom smelled strongly of garlic, which everyone said was to ward off a vampire he'd met in Romania and was afraid would be coming back to get him one of these days. His turban, he told them, had been given to him by an African prince as a thank-you for getting rid of a troublesome zombie, but they weren't sure they believed this story.
Remus shook his head exasperated—"Garlic like Silver is part myth, only a few are unlucky to suffer those consequences. And with Zombie I'm sure Harry means Inferi which, the prince either created himself or someone send to him, either way…that's very Dark magic and this guy looks like he can't even cast a Confringo without stopping to take a breath"—
Sirius chuckled— "Poor Quirrell if Moony ever sees him again."
For one thing, when Seamus Finnigan asked eagerly to hear how Quirrell had fought off the zombie, Quirrell went pink and started talking about the weather; for another, they had noticed that a funny smell hung around the turban, and the Weasley twins insisted that it was stuffed full of garlic as well so that Quirrell was protected.
They were all on edge with the Quirrell.
"In the month after meeting Harry and on the first day of school, he met the prince and started wearing a turban. Does anyone get a bad vibe"?
"He's clearly fake"—
'What have we got today?' Harry asked Ron as he poured sugar on his porridge. 'Double Potions with the Slytherins,' said Ron. 'Snape's Head of Slytherin house. They say he always favours them – we'll be able to see if it's true.' 'Wish McGonagall favoured us,' said Harry.
Minerva pressed her lips. Snape looked at her from the side, ignoring everyone and a tight grip on his wand. A.P. also holds on to his.
Just then, the post arrived. Harry had got used to this by now, but it had given him a bit of a shock on the first morning.
Alice barked a laugh— "Lily was so concerned they would shit on her food"—Lily stuck her tongue out but shook her head sadly, Harry wasn't receiving anything and she was sure other students would notice.
Hedwig hadn't brought Harry anything so far. She sometimes flew in to nibble his ear and have a bit of toast before going off to sleep in the owlery
Lily leaned into her husband sniffing.
This morning, however, she fluttered down between the marmalade and the sugar bowl and dropped a note on to Harry's plate. Harry tore it open at once. Dear Harry, (it said, in a very untidy scrawl) I know you get Friday afternoons off, so would you like to come and have a cup of tea with me around three?
"Oh Hagrid"—James ran to hug him— "I'll buy you a dragon I promise."
Hagrid smiled at him and gave him a pat on the back— "No problem I'm more than happy to help young Harry" –James gave him another hug and went to sit down. Dorea whispered. — "We are not buying him a dragon; the Potters won't be responsible for burning down Hogwarts."—Monty laughed.
It was lucky that Harry had tea with Hagrid to look forward to, because the Potions lesson turned out to be the worst thing that had happened to him so far. Snape didn't dislike Harry – he hated him.
Marlene immediately held both men at her side, Lily made her hands into fists and James pressed his lips. Snape tried to show no emotion. He frowned thinking about what could he possibly do to the boy. He must have a good reason.
Snape, like Flitwick, started the class by taking the register, and like Flitwick, he paused at Harry's name. 'Ah, yes,' he said softly, 'Harry Potter. Our new – celebrity.'
Dorea looked at Snape— "He's a child."
"This hasn't happened"—Snape defended himself.
"You can't even say his name right now"—Dorea glared.
'You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making,' he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word – like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. 'As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.'
Dumbledore frowned
Minerva let out a breath— "Really Severus, this is what we discuss, you cannot speak to the children like this."
'Potter!' said Snape suddenly. 'What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?'
Powdered root of what to an infusion of what? Harry glanced at Ron, who looked as stumped as he was; Hermione's hand had shot into the air.
'I don't know, sir,' said Harry.
Snape's lips curled into a sneer.
'Tut, tut – fame clearly isn't everything.'
A.P. grabbed his wand the moment Sirius stood up— "Fuck you, Snape…"
"Sirius sit down now"—Monty said.
He ignored Hermione's hand.
'Let's try again. Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?'
"You don't learn that until after Christmas"—Alice said frowning.
Hermione stretched her hand as high into the air as it would go without her leaving her seat, but Harry didn't have the faintest idea what a bezoar was. He tried not to look at Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, who were shaking with laughter. 'I don't know, sir.' 'Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming, eh, Potter?'
"You want to embarrass him"—Marlene said angrily. — "You're a fucking adult."
Harry forced himself to keep looking straight into those cold eyes. He had looked through his books at the Dursleys', but did Snape expect him to remember everything in One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi?
"Wrong book love"—Lily said taking a deep breath, she didn't want to lash out at Severus just yet.
Snape was still ignoring Hermione's quivering hand. 'What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?' At this, Hermione stood up, her hand stretching towards the dungeon ceiling. 'I don't know,' said Harry quietly. 'I think Hermione does, though, why don't you try her?' A few people laughed; Harry caught Seamus's eye and Seamus winked. Snape, however, was not pleased.
Remus nodded; Harry shouldn't allow anyone to talk to him like that.
"That poor girl needs to calm down a little, but she knows the answer, it would be wise to let her speak."
'Sit down,' he snapped at Hermione. 'For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?'
There was a sudden rummaging for quills and parchment. Over the noise, Snape said, 'And a point will be taken from Gryffindor house for your cheek, Potter.'
James was shaking. With his wand tight in his hand, he knew he just couldn't curse the men even if he wanted. His father wasn't going to allow it and Dumbledore was prepared. He didn't like it.
Lily said out loud—"asphodel means death, mourning. Wormwood is bitterness, but Asphodel is a type of Lily. You are telling him you bitterly regret my death."—Lily said angrily, she stood up and threw a cup at Snaps head, who barely had time to react.
Everyone started moving after that.
James stood up and threw a hex at Snape who stopped it,
Lily threw another— "IF YOU REALLY REGRET MY DEATH, YOU TELL HIM!"
"Lily…"
"NO!"—hex— "I don't care—hex. —"You…"
Monty body binds her. Sirius and Remus immediately lowered their wands. James turned his wand to his dad who raised an eyebrow— "I dare you"—
James rolled his eyes and put his wand down.
"Stop Lily or ill body bind you again"—Monty warned her. He lifted the spell and helped her stand up. Snape had his wand up and looked at Lily's wide eye.
A.P. laughed— "Wow I thought it would be James, but I didn't see that teacup coming."—He took advantage that everyone was sitting down to continue with the reading.
Neville had somehow managed to melt Seamus's cauldron into a twisted blob and their potion was seeping across the stone floor, burning holes in people's shoes. Within seconds, the whole class were standing on their stools while Neville, who had been drenched in the potion when the cauldron collapsed, moaned in pain 'Idiot boy!' snarled Snape, clearing the spilled potion away with one wave of his wand. 'I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?'
Now it was turned for the Longbottom. This time Augusta looked at Snape— "Who the hell do you think you are boy!"
"You explained nothing to them. Writing shit on a board isn't teaching"—Frank said.
Alice bit her lip for her son. She was shit at Potions she knew how painful it was to make a mistake— "Oh that hurt so bad. Why didn't you put something on it? Slughorn always had a quick remedy at hand."
'You – Potter – why didn't you tell him not to add the quills? Thought he'd make you look good if he got it wrong, did you? That's another point you've lost for Gryffindor.' This was so unfair that Harry opened his mouth to argue, but Ron kicked him behind their cauldron. 'Don't push it,' he muttered. 'I've heard Snape can turn very nasty.'
"Why is he still teaching"—Augusta accused –"He's heard… which means they aren't his first victims."
"Why? My son has done nothing to you"—James said and Snape rolled his eyes and huffed.
Dorea. — "My son asked you a question, and I want an answer."
Snape stared at her; a distaste looks on his face. Dorea was to stand.
"No! we will finish this chapter and then we will talk"—Monty said looking at his sons and wife. Lily had closed her eyes and was leaning back.
'Make yourselves at home,' said Hagrid, letting go of Fang, who bounded straight at Ron and started licking his ears. Like Hagrid, Fang was clearly not as fierce as he looked. 'Another Weasley, eh?' said Hagrid, glancing at Ron's freckles. 'I spent half me life chasin' yer twin brothers away from the Forest.' The rock cakes almost broke their teeth, but Harry and Ron pretended to be enjoying them as they told.
"Oh, I didn't know they were so bad"—Hagrid said concerned.
"They are not, they are just too hard for our teeth."
Molly pressed her lips; she didn't like how the twins were being described.
'But he seemed to really hate me.' 'Rubbish!' said Hagrid. 'Why should he?' Yet Harry couldn't help thinking that Hagrid didn't quite meet his eyes when he said took a deep breath looking between Snape and James but said nothing.
GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN LATEST
"The fact that the Goblins let it become public record makes it more worrisome." –Alastor.
There was no doubt about it, Hagrid definitely didn't meet Harry's eyes this time. He grunted and offered him another rock cake. Hagrid had emptied vault seven hundred and thirteen, if you could call it emptying, taking out that grubby little package. Had that been what the thieves were looking for?
"I'm afraid, the stone is always in danger. The fact Nicolas let it go so far away from his grasp is alarming"
"Why?"
"Either I want it close for a reason, or he believed it was safer in my hands which doesn't mean anything good for me"—Dumbledore said.
"Let's have lunch"—A.P. said standing up.
"How about no"—Dorea said looking at Snape and her son.
A.P. nodded— "I'll go get the elves"—and he walked away, he couldn't keep peace all the time and things were bound to happen.
Lunch…
Dumbledore took a deep calming breath. — "Dorea I'm sure you know that your sons and Severus here don't have a good relationship, they had animosity in school…"
Severus glared—"Animosity, James Potter was my tormentor, four against one, he and his lap dogs…"
Sirius laughed standing—"Don't fucking talk about us like you were a saint, you filthy death eater, Dumbledore can say whatever he wants but that Mark on your arm shows clearly the kind of person you are."
"Sirius, Severus changed sides…"
"I don't care"—Sirius told Dumbledore.
Dorea looked at Snape— "So, my son's sins should be paid by his son?"—
"I'm sure your grandson, is the same. The book is from his perspective, they would hardly say…
"The truth… oh no, we know they are saying the truth. As far fetch as all of this looks like we know it's real. My grandson has done nothing to you."
"You never wanted My apologies." James started.
"You don't get to apologize to me, like that would change anything."
"I didn't want to change anything. I still believe you're shit. I tried to apologize because I realize you didn't deserve half of the things, we did to you."
"Oh. Half, I didn't'…"
"No! You don't get to play the victim; you didn't deserve the jinx or the curse when you were walking down the hall or when we were bored, You did deserve them when you sent one of us to the hospital when trying out your new spells or when you taunted Remus for his sickness. For every single time, you didn't defend Lily from your group of friends, and you just sat there smiling and laughing with them."
Snape threw a curse, that James deflected— "You and your stupid group of friends tormented me for my like of the dark arts, and yet you are friends with a half-breed"—
James threw a curse and snape moved.
— "What about your precious Black, he tried to murder me."
Sirius did to stand up, but a glare from Dorea made him sit back down. She put her hand up in the air and twisted it causing a wind swirl, throwing Snape and James apart. – "Stop this right now."
James stood up and looked around. Molly was trying to calm someone on the other side of the playground door. Arthur was standing guard. James took a deep breath— "I'm sorry"
— Arthur nodded; James felt Lily grabbing his shoulder.
"Jamie calm down."—he glared at her— "Don't look at me like that. This won't be the first time we hear about his abuse, but we can't fight every single time. It's a vicious circle."
"I don't care, move"—he said pushing around her, but Dorea threw him back, she turned to Snape—"Explain my son's attempt of Murder"
Snape laughed— "I don't receive…"—he couldn't finish because Dorea sends another swirl his way.
— "I'm asking you because I clearly didn't know, don't make me ask again."
Snape glared at her but told her everything.
Dorea looked at her husband— "did you know?"
"Yes"
"Did you speak to him?"
"Yes."
Dorea nodded. She turned to Sirius who was staring at his shoes. Marlene was sitting next to him, holding his hand— "Boy look at me"
— Sirius raised his eyes at her— "Ma´am?"
"If you would have done that to me, I wouldn't have forgiven you"—She said and looked at Remus.
Sirius stared at his friend who was frowning— "I know, I clearly paid for that."
Snape huffed— "That's it, he gets a slap on the wrist."
"He gets the same as you. Dumbledore why didn't you expel Sirius?"
"Dorea is this really…"
"Answer the fucking question Dumbledore…"
"Because Mr. Snape went down the passage with the…"
"The intention of capturing, seeing, or killing Remus?"—she asked Snape who glared at her—"You went down that passage with the same intention as Sirius, you neither wanted to kill anyone but it would've ended in murder either way"—
Snape rolled his eyes in dismissal. He wanted to yell at her, he would have been doing the school a favor, getting rid of the danger.
No one said anything, no one knew what to say.
A.P. came back— "The elves said five more minutes. Are we done here?"
…
They all sat down angry. For a moment no one spoke, and the only sound was them serving food. A.P. knew he had to address them, or the next part of the book would be tense.
"Look"—they all turned to see him—"What Sirius did was shitty, but Snape let's be real you're a shitty person too. But you are not evil…when I said this was a rare situation it's true, I've never had a chance to go back so much. The situation in the books hasn't happened and hopefully, they won't so just please remember that."
"But they did… in many other realities apparently"—Frank stated, he had wanted to ask Snape what his son had ever done to him, but he realized this was more a Potter family business, he looked at Sirius with narrowed eyes. He was a Black no one could deny that Franks's grandmother was one herself and she had many times told his mother to not trust any of them.
"Yes, and some of them changed for the better, but this one is different. You are all alive"—A.P. said waving his hands around— "you're young, all of you, some of you already started changing, for some these books will be a wake-up call. In others, well I can't change your personalities, but I hope you leave here with a possibility of a good life, not the one you want but a better one."
Albus felt the tension in the table slowly fade away. He saw James and Snape glare at each other, but they shared a curt nod. Ok, so James and Snape were ok for the moment. He looked at Lily and he wasn't so sure about her.
Molly bit her lip, she was going to take advantage that the children were eating together and not with them—"Umm…"—She said looking at A.P.
"You can call me Albus, Molly"—He said smiling at her.
"Albus, can you explain know why I couldn't afford nice things for my son?"
"Nicely or blunt?"
She looked perplexed but Arthur answered— "Blunt."
"You're poor. After the Prewett die, Ignatius became a problem, before the Lordships were stripped, he took everything from you. He banished you from the family, he took away all your family heirlooms, family home, your dowry… by the time you realized, there was nothing left. With Lucious on the top, Arthur wasn't earning enough… it became a struggle."
"Oh"—was everything Molly was able to say. Arthur was just nodding his head up and down— "It's all right Molls, I'm sure we knew how to make do."
"You did, you struggled but weren't desperate."—A.P. said.
"That's right."—Arthur said in an affirmative tone.
"I think we need to address something else. I don't care about it, but my daughter is here so I'm sorry if I come out as insensitive but um, what are we going to do regarding Remus's transformations"—Ted said smiling politely at Remus who froze. Lily who was sitting next to him started rubbing circles on his back.
"He won't transform"—A.P. said.
"What?"—Remus looked up.
"In the time bubble, you won't transform. If we spend more than a month here then you will feel the moon, your body will ache, but you won't change. I promise I've been with another Remus before, also…well I want to wait until the third book, and you will see"—he said trying to hold his smile. Every time he ended in a time where Wolfsbane hasn't come out, he loved Remus's reaction to it, it is something he always shared with his brother teddy.
"Ok"—Ted said
"OK?"—James asked suspiciously.
"Yes"
"No one has any other questions, no problem with it?"—James glared at Snape who was about to speak.
"Ah, well you all seem to know already"—Kingsley said—"So I presume Remus hasn't hurt anyone so… yes there's no problem"
Remus took a shaky breath, Lily kept reassuring him. She knew it was emotional for him every time someone accepted him.
"I do have a question, how long have you all known?"—Molly said kindly. She wasn't scared of Remus, her being scared of the wolf was another thing, but she would trust that A.P. knew what he was doing and with Dumbledore, Alastor, and Fleamont she knew if anything happened it would be taken care of.
"Um, we"—Sirius said pointing at James—"Since a second year, Remus was a shitty liar and after killing his fictional aunt for a third time we notice something was off."
"I noticed in third year"—Lily said and Snape looked at her frowning. Every time he confronted her, she denied noticing anything. He leaned back, she had lied to protect them before she even became friends with them.
"I did the essay on magical creatures, and I knew but kept silent until the fifth year when we became prefects together and a patrol came up in the full moon. I told him he didn't have to worry about it, he panicked and tried to run and I ran after him"—She laughed and leaned to give him a kiss on the cheek. She whispered— "Relax Remy"
Monty— "Holiday of 72, James came saying he was sharing a room with a Werewolf. Won't deny it, we didn't believe him until easter when I went to his first quidditch game and met Remus."
Frank—"Alice found out in the sixth year, and she told me but I was already suspicious. They sneaked out too much and Remus was always getting sick close to the full moon." –he shrugged nonchalantly.
The people at the table nodded. Snape had to bite his tongue to prevent from yelling at all of them about how wrong all this was.
Once they finished they went back to reading…
